SEPTA Commuters Keeping Fingers Crossed After Strike Authorization Vote
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- SEPTA Riders are a little nervous after hearing the news about the potential for a strike.
It certainly wasn't the thing people wanted to think about Monday morning as they rode the bus to work. Jasmine of South Philadelphia said she is dependent on the bus.
"Well, it would definitely cripple how I get to work every day," she said. "They were my reliable source of transportation. So, I don't know what I'm going to do if they do decide to go on strike. It's going to be definitely a big imposition."
Bernard lives in Germantown and said he needs the bus to get to work. And based on what he sees everyday, he's not alone.
"It would mess a whole lot of people up, really, if they go on strike," he said. Especially with me. I work over in Norristown, so (it's a) major problem."
A strike wouldn't just impact those commuting to work. Orlando, who attends Philadelphia Community College, says a strike would also hurt students to rely on SEPTA to get to and from school.
"I have to ride on the 16 (bus) all the way down to Spring Garden Street from Girard (Street)," he said. "So, it's going to affect me and everybody else who goes to school because they told us no matter whether they strike or they don't strike, you all have to get to school. And, the people who have government grants and stuff like that, they have to get to school because if they don't get to school they get dropped."
Monique lives in West Oak Lane and works here in Center City. She said a strike would put a big burden on her family.
"Getting a ride to get to the regional rail," she said, "because I'll take the regional rail, but then I would have to take an extra somebody to get me up, you know, wake my husband and kids up just to get me to the train."
For some commuters, however, there are alternatives.
"I'd drive," said Jeanette, who travels to and from Fern Rock Station. "I'd catch regional rail and drive."
But she admits a strike would still be an inconvenience for her.
Michael of the Northeast said he's also prepared with a backup plan.
"From my house, I could walk to the regional rail four or five blocks away," he said. "I'd be okay."
Other commuters say they remember the last SEPTA strike and didn't like being stranded. They're hoping both sides keep cool heads and try to work it out at the bargaining table.
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